Controller for a quick disconnect slide assembly

ABSTRACT

A slide assembly including a first slide segment, a second slide segment, and a third slide segment. A bearing assembly is provided between the second slide segment and the third slide segment. A lock arm extends from the third slide segment and is engageable with an engagement surface of the second slide segment to limit movement of the third slide segment with respect to the second slide segment. A controller is associated with the second slide segment and comprises a locking portion and an actuator portion. The locking portion extends through an opening in a side wall of the second slide segment towards the bearing retainer. The locking portion is selectively engageable with the bearing retainer to limit movement of the bearing assembly. The actuator extends through an opening in a side wall of the second slide segment between the first slide segment and the lock arm to actuate the lock arm and thereby disengage it from the engagement surface when the slide assembly is retracted.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/028,030, filed Dec. 19, 2001, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/257,909, filed Dec. 22, 2000, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to slide assemblies and, more particularly, to quick disconnect-type slide assemblies.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] For convenience and to conserve floor space, computer servers for high-capacity computer systems are often mounted in rack structures. Typically, several computer servers are mounted in each rack structure. Each server is typically mounted on a pair of slide assemblies to allow the server to slide in and out of the rack structure for convenient access to the server.

[0006] Each slide assembly comprises two or more slide segments. In slide assemblies comprising only two slide segments, a first or outer slide segment is mounted to a frame of the rack structure, and a second or inner slide segment is mounted to the server. The outer slide segment defines a channel. The inner slide segment is movable in the channel to extend or retract the slide assembly. A bearing assembly is movably positioned in the channel to facilitate sliding movement of the inner slide segment with respect to the outer slide segment.

[0007] In quick disconnect slide assemblies, the inner slide segment can be entirely removed from the channel and detached from the outer slide segment. This allows convenient removal of the computer server from the server rack structure for repair or replacement of the computer server. The inner slide segment remains attached to the computer server when the server is removed from the rack.

[0008] To replace the computer server in the server rack, a rear end of the inner slide segment must be guided back into the channel of the outer slide segment. Because each server is typically supported by a pair of slide assemblies, the ends of the inner slide segments of both slide assemblies must be guided into the channels of the outer slide segments substantially in unison. This often proves difficult since the computer servers are typically heavy and awkward to handle.

[0009] If the inner slide segment is not properly aligned in the channel, the end of the inner slide segment can interfere with the bearing assembly. As the inner slide segment is moved rearwardly in the channel, the bearing assembly is moved with it. When the bearing assembly reaches the end of the channel, further rearward movement of the bearing assembly is prevented. This makes further rearward movement of the inner slide segment difficult. The inner slide segment, along with the attached computer server, may have to be moved forwardly and realigned in the channel before the slide assembly can be fully retracted. In addition to being inconvenient, damage to the bearing assembly or other components of the slide assembly can result if the inner slide segment is forcibly retracted.

[0010] In most quick disconnect-type slide assemblies, a lock is provided to prevent the unintentional detachment of the inner slide segment from the outer slide segment when the slide assembly is extended. However, while it is generally desirable for the lock to engage when the slide assembly is fully extended, it is generally undesirable and inconvenient for the lock to engage as the inner slide segment and attached computer server are first installed in the server rack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The slide assembly of the present invention solves the problems of the prior art by incorporating a controller. The controller comprises an actuator and a latch. The slide assembly includes a lock to prevent the unintentional detachment of the inner slide segment from the outer slide segment when the slide assembly is extended. The actuator allows the lock to engage when the slide assembly is extended, but does not allow the lock to engage as the inner slide segment is inserted and retracted into the channel when the computer server is first installed or reinstalled in the server rack.

[0012] The latch serves to retain the bearing assembly near the forward end of the channel as the end of the inner slide segment is inserted into the channel. This makes it easier to guide the end of the inner slide segment past the bearing assembly as the inner slide segment is inserted and retracted into the channel when the computer server is first installed or reinstalled in the server rack.

[0013] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a slide assembly is provided comprising a first slide segment and a second slide segment. The first slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper and lower walls. The side wall and the upper and lower walls define a channel. The second slide segment is movable in the channel to extend or retract the slide assembly.

[0014] A bearing assembly is provided in the channel to facilitate sliding movement of the second slide segment with respect to the first slide segment. The bearing assembly comprises a number of ball bearings and a bearing retainer. The bearing retainer has an upper retainer portion located adjacent the upper wall, a lower retainer portion located adjacent the lower wall, and a side portion located adjacent the side wall and extending between the upper and lower retainer portions. The side portion has an opening provided therein.

[0015] The slide assembly includes a latch having a locking portion. The latch is movable between a first position wherein the locking portion extends into the opening to limit movement of the bearing assembly in the channel, and a second position wherein the locking portion does not extend into the opening and the bearing assembly is allowed a greater freedom of movement in the channel.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a slide assembly is provided comprising a first slide segment and a second slide segment. The first slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper and lower walls. The side wall and the upper and lower walls define a channel. The second slide segment is movable in the channel to extend or retract the slide assembly. A bearing assembly is located in the channel to facilitate sliding movement of the second slide segment with respect to the first slide segment.

[0017] The slide assembly includes a latch. The latch is movable between a first position wherein the latch extends into the channel to limit movement of the bearing assembly, and a second position wherein the bearing assembly is allowed a greater freedom of movement in the channel.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a slide assembly is provided comprising a first slide segment, a second slide segment, and a third slide segment. The first slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper and lower walls. The side wall and the upper and lower walls define a first channel. The second slide segment is movable in the first channel to extend or retract the slide assembly.

[0019] The second slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper and lower walls. The side wall has an opening formed therein and includes an engagement surface. The side wall and the upper and lower walls define a second channel. The third slide segment is movable in the second channel to extend or retract the slide assembly.

[0020] The third slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper and lower walls. A lock arm extends from the side wall of the third slide segment towards the side wall of the second slide segment. The lock arm is engageable with the engagement surface to limit movement of the third slide segment with respect to the second slide segment.

[0021] An actuator extends through the opening in the side wall of the second slide segment towards the lock arm. The side wall of the first slide segment contacts the actuator when the slide assembly is retracted, causing the actuator to actuate the lock arm and thereby disengage the engagement surface from the lock arm.

[0022] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a slide assembly is provided comprising a first slide segment, a second slide segment, and a third slide segment. The first slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper and lower walls. The side wall and the upper and lower walls define a first channel. The second slide segment is movable in the first channel to extend or retract the slide assembly.

[0023] The second slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper and lower walls. The side wall includes an engagement surface and has one or more openings formed therein. The side wall and the upper and lower walls define a second channel. The third slide segment is movable in the second channel to extend or retract the slide assembly.

[0024] The third slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper and lower walls. A bearing assembly is located in the second channel to facilitate sliding movement of the third slide segment with respect to the second slide segment. The bearing assembly comprises a bearing retainer and a number of ball bearings. A lock arm extends from the side wall of the third slide segment towards the side wall of the second slide segment. The lock arm is engageable with the engagement surface to limit movement of the third slide segment with respect to the second slide segment.

[0025] The slide assembly includes a controller associated with the second slide segment. The controller comprises a locking portion and an actuator. The locking portion extends through one of the openings in the side wall of the second slide segment towards the bearing retainer. The locking portion is selectively engageable with the bearing retainer to limit movement of the bearing assembly in the second channel. The actuator extends through one of the openings in the side wall of the second slide segment between the first slide segment and the lock arm. The actuator actuates the lock arm to disengage the engagement surface from the lock arm when the slide assembly is retracted.

[0026] These and other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular embodiment disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a slide assembly having certain features and advantages in accordance with the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0029]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, with the latch illustrated in a first position;

[0030]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the controller of the slide assembly of FIG. 1;

[0031]FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the forward end of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1;

[0032]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the inner slide segment and a portion of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, showing the attachment of the controller to the intermediate slide segment;

[0033]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the inner slide segment and a portion of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, showing the tab on the inner slide segment;

[0034]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the inner slide segment and a portion of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

[0035]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the intermediate slide assembly of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, with the latch shown in a second position;

[0036]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the inner slide segment and a portion of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, with the inner slide segment detached from the intermediate slide segment;

[0037]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the inner slide segment and the forward ends of the intermediate slide segment and outer slide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, with the lock arm of the inner slide segment engaging the engagement surface of the intermediate slide segment;

[0038]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the inner slide segment and the forward ends of the intermediate slide segment and outer slide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, with the lock arm of the inner slide segment disengaged from the engagement surface of the intermediate slide segment;

[0039]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the outer slide segment and the rear end of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, with the pivot arm of the intermediate slide segment in abutting engagement with the stop surface of the stop member of the outer slide segment;

[0040]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the back side of the outer slide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating the stop member; and

[0041]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the outer slide segment and the rear ends of the inner and intermediate slide segments of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, with the pivot arm disengaged from the stop surface of the stop member.

[0042]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the back side of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating the manual actuation of the actuator.

[0043]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the slide assembly.

[0044]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the front side of the controller of the slide assembly of FIG. 17.

[0045]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the back side of the controller of the slide assembly of FIG. 17.

[0046]FIG. 20 is an elevational view of a forward end of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 17.

[0047]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of the inner slide segment and lock arm of the slide assembly of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0048] A slide assembly having features in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and designated generally by the reference numeral 12. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the slide assembly 12 includes a first or inner slide segment 16, a second or intermediate slide segment 18, and a third or outer slide segment 20. The inner slide segment 16 is adapted for mounting to an outer case or housing of a computer server (not shown). The outer slide segment 20 is adapted for mounting to a stationary server rack structure (not shown). Each computer server desirably is supported in the server rack structure by a pair of slide assemblies 12, one on either side of the computer server, to allow the computer server to slide in and out of the server rack structure.

[0049]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the slide assembly 12 of FIG. 1, taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer slide segment 20 has a generally C-shaped cross-section and comprises an upper wall 24, a lower wall 26, and a planar side wall 28 extending between the upper and lower walls 24, 26. Each of the upper and lower walls 24, 26 defines an arcuate bearing surface 32. The bearing surfaces 32 generally face inward towards a central longitudinal axis of the slide assembly 12. A longitudinal channel 36 is defined by the bearing surfaces 32 and a planar inner surface of the side wall 28.

[0050] The intermediate slide segment 18 also has a generally C-shaped cross-section and comprises an upper wall 40, a lower wall 42, and a side wall 44 extending between the upper and lower walls 40, 42. Each of the upper and lower walls 40, 42 of the intermediate slide segment 18 defines an arcuate inner bearing surface 46 and an arcuate outer bearing surface 48. The inner bearing surfaces 46 face towards, and the outer bearing surfaces 48 face away from, the central longitudinal axis of the slide assembly 12. A longitudinal channel 56 is defined by the inner bearing surfaces 46 and an inner surface of the side wall 44.

[0051] Like the outer slide segment 20 and the intermediate slide segment 18, the inner slide segment 16 also has a generally C-shaped cross-section and comprises an upper wall 60, a lower wall 62, and a side wall 64 extending between the upper and lower walls 60, 62. Each of the upper and lower walls 60, 62 defines an arcuate bearing surface 68. The bearing surfaces 68 of the inner slide segment 16 face outward, or away from the central longitudinal axis of the slide assembly 12.

[0052] The intermediate slide segment 18 is positioned in the channel 36 of the outer slide segment 20 so that the bearing surfaces 32 of the outer slide segment 20 are located adjacent the outer bearing surfaces 48 of the intermediate slide segment 18. A bearing assembly 74 is positioned between each bearing surface 32 of the outer slide segment 20 and the adjacent outer bearing surface 48 of the intermediate slide segment 18. In the illustrated embodiment, each bearing assembly 74 comprises a thin, elongated, generally planar bearing spacer 76 and a number of spherical ball bearings 78. The ball bearings 78 are retained by the bearing spacer 76 in spaced-apart openings formed along the length of the bearing spacer 76. The ball bearings 78 roll against the bearing surfaces 32, 48 to facilitate longitudinal sliding movement of the intermediate slide segment 18 with respect to the outer slide segment 20. As will be appreciated, the bearings 78 are retained in the openings of the spacer 76 by the bearing surfaces 32, 48.

[0053] Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner slide segment 16 is positioned in the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18 so that the bearing surfaces 68 of the inner slide segment 16 are located adjacent the inner bearing surfaces 46 of the intermediate slide segment 18. A bearing assembly 80 is positioned in the channel 56 between the inner slide segment 16 and the intermediate slide segment 18 to facilitate longitudinal sliding movement of the inner slide segment 16 with respect to the intermediate slide segment 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing assembly 80 comprises a bearing retainer 84 and a number of spherical ball bearings 86.

[0054] The bearing surfaces 32 of the outer slide segment 20, the inner and outer bearing surfaces 46, 48 of the intermediate slide segment 18, and the bearing surfaces 68 of the inner slide segment 16 desirably are concave. This prevents lateral separation of the intermediate slide segment 18 from the outer slide segment 20, and of the inner slide segment 16 from the intermediate slide segment 18.

[0055]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the intermediate slide segment 18 with the bearing assembly 80 positioned in the channel 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing retainer 84 comprises an upper retainer portion 92, a lower retainer portion 94, and a side portion 96 interconnecting the upper and lower retainer portions 92, 94. An opening 97 is provided in the side portion 96. A cross-member 98 extends between the upper and lower retainer portions 92, 94. The bearing retainer 84 is seated in the channel 56 so that the upper and lower retainer portions 92, 94 are located adjacent the inner bearing surfaces 46, and the side portion 96 is located adjacent the inner surface of the side wall 44.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the upper and lower retainer portions 92, 94 comprises a number of tabs 97. The tabs 97 extend generally perpendicularly to the side portion 96 of the bearing retainer 84. Each tab 97 has a circular opening 100 provided therein to accommodate one of the ball bearings 86. The diameter of the openings 100 is preferably slightly less than the diameter of the ball bearings 86 to trap the ball bearings 86 between the tabs 97 and the inner bearing surfaces 46 of the intermediate slide segment 18.

[0057] The bearing assembly 80 desirably is movable along the length of the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18. This allows the ball bearings 86 to roll along the inner bearing surfaces 46 of the intermediate slide segment 18 as the inner slide segment 16 is moved in and out of the channel 56. A rear stop 106 (see FIG. 1) is provided in a rear portion of the intermediate slide segment 18 to limit rearward movement of the bearing assembly 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear stop 106 comprises a laterally raised portion of the inner surface of the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18.

[0058] With reference now to FIG. 4, a controller 120 for the slide assembly 12 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 120 includes both an actuator 124 and a latch 126. The actuator 124 comprises a thin, planar, cantilevered primary arm 128 having an end portion 132 of increased thickness. The thickness of the end portion 132 is greatest near a front end of the controller 120. The end portion 132 desirably has rounded corners 134 and a groove 136 formed in the center thereof.

[0059] The latch 126 comprises a thin, planar, cantilevered secondary arm 138 having a raised locking portion 140 at a front end thereof. The locking portion 140 includes a generally planar sloping front face 142 and a generally planar sloping rear face 144. Desirably, the front face 142 extends a slightly greater distance above the planar surface of the secondary arm 138 than does the rear face 144. In the illustrated embodiment, a recess 146 is formed between the front face 142 and the rear face 144. The recess 146 is defined by a front locking surface 150 and a rear locking surface 152. Alternatively, the function of the front locking surface 150, which will be described below, can be performed by a pair of raised hard stops 154 (see FIG. 3) provided at the forward end of the channel 56.

[0060] The controller 120 desirably is formed of a stiff yet flexible material to allow the primary and secondary arms 128, 138 to flex or bend, and resiliently return to position. Preferably, the controller 120 is formed of a resilient, durable, low-friction plastic material, such as acetal.

[0061] The forward end of the intermediate slide segment 18 is shown in FIG. 5. As illustrated, a pair of openings 156 are provided in the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18 near the forward end thereof. The controller 120 is positioned behind the side wall 44 so that the end portion 132 of the actuator 124 and the locking portion 140 of the latch 126 are in registration with the openings 156. The controller 120 is attached to an outer surface of the side wall 44 by suitable means, such as a pair of rivets 158 (see FIG. 6) that extend through openings formed in a side of the controller 120 opposite the end portion 132.

[0062] Referring again to FIG. 3, the latch 126 is illustrated in a first position, wherein the planar surface of the secondary arm 124 rests against the outer surface of the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18. The locking portion 140 of the latch 126 extends through one of the openings 156 in the side wall 44 and into the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18.

[0063] To ensure proper operation of the latch 126, the front face 142 desirably forms an angle a with the plane of the side wall 44 of between 10 and 80 degrees when the latch 126 is in the first position illustrated in FIG. 3. More desirably, the angle α is between 30 and 45 degrees. Preferably, the angle α is 38 degrees. The rear face 144 likewise desirably forms an angle γ with the plane of the side wall 44 of between 10 and 80 degrees when the latch 126 is in the first position illustrated in FIG. 3. More desirably, the angle is γ is between 15 and 30 degrees. Preferably, the angle γ is 25 degrees. The front and rear locking surfaces 150, 152 preferably are disposed generally perpendicularly to the side wall 44 when the latch is in the first position.

[0064] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the slide assembly 12 of the illustrated embodiment is of the quick disconnect variety. Thus, the inner slide segment 16 can be entirely removed from the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18 to allow convenient removal of the computer server from the server rack for repair or replacement of the computer server. To replace the computer server in the server rack, the rear end of the inner slide segment 16 must be guided back into the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18.

[0065] The distance between the inner bearing surfaces 46 of the intermediate slide segment 18 is necessarily greater than the height of the of the inner slide segment 16 in order to accommodate the ball bearings 86. As a result, the inner slide segment 16 can become misaligned in the channel 56. When the inner slide segment 16 is misaligned, the end of the inner slide segment 16 can interfere with the bearing assembly 80.

[0066] Because the ball bearings 86 roll along the bearing surfaces 68 of the inner slide segment 16 and the inner bearing surfaces 46 of the intermediate slide segment 18, the bearing assembly 80 follows the inner slide segment 16 as the inner slide segment 16 is moved rearwardly in the channel 56. When the bearing assembly 80 abuts the rear stop 106, further rearward movement of the bearing assembly 80 is prevented. As a result, the ball bearings 86 are prevented from rolling along the inner bearing surfaces 46 of the intermediate slide segment 18. This makes further rearward movement of the inner slide segment 16 difficult. In addition to being inconvenient, damage to the bearing assembly 80 or other components of the slide assembly 12 can result if the inner slide segment 16 is forcibly retracted.

[0067] The latch 126 serves to retain the bearing assembly 80 near the forward end of the channel 56. When the latch 126 is in the first position illustrated in FIG. 3, the locking portion 140 extends into the channel 56 beyond the side portion 96 of the bearing retainer 84. The cross-member 98 is captured between the front locking surface 150 and the rear locking surface 152. Rearward movement of the bearing assembly 80 is limited by the rear locking surface 152. Forward movement of the bearing assembly 80 is limited by the front locking surface 150 and/or the hard stops 154. With the bearing assembly 80 retained near the front of the channel 56, it is easier to guide the forward end of the inner slide segment 16 past the forward end of the bearing assembly 80 as the inner slide segment is inserted into the channel 56.

[0068] Referring now to FIG. 7, a tab 164 is provided on the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 164 comprises an indentation on the side wall 64 that extends into the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18. When the inner slide segment 16 is inserted and moved rearwardly in the channel 56, the tab 164 contacts the front face 142 of the latch 126, as illustrated in FIG. 8. This causes the secondary arm 138 to flex away from the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18. In this second latch position, illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the locking portion 140 does not extend into the opening 97 in the side portion 96 of the bearing retainer 84. The bearing assembly 80 is therefore free to move in the channel 56 with the inner slide segment 16.

[0069] As the inner slide segment 16 is moved forwardly in the channel 56, the bearing assembly 80 is moved towards the latch 126. When the inner slide segment 16 is removed from the channel 56, the cross-member 98 of the bearing retainer 84 contacts the rear face 144 of the latch 126, causing the latch 126 to move to the second latch position, wherein the secondary arm 138 is flexed away from the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18. The cross-member 98 rides over the rear face 144 of the latch 126 and into the recess 146 to lock the bearing assembly 80 in place again.

[0070] One advantage of the slide assembly 12 of the present embodiment is that it does not require a separate manual operation to lock or unlock the bearing assembly 80. As the inner slide segment 16 is inserted in the channel, the tab 164 contacts the locking portion 140 of the latch 126 to automatically free the bearing assembly 80. When the inner slide segment 16 is removed from the channel 56, the bearing assembly 80 is drawn forwardly towards the latch 126. The cross-member 98 of the bearing retainer 84 contacts the locking portion 140 of the latch 126 and the bearing assembly 80 is automatically locked in place.

[0071] With reference now to FIG. 10, a lock arm 170 is provided on an inner surface of the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock arm 170 comprises a thin, planar steel strip that is attached at a first end 172 to the inner surface of the side wall 64. The first end 172 of the lock arm 170 preferably is attached to the side wall 64 by a pair of tabs (not shown) that extend from the side wall 64 through a pair of openings 173 in the lock arm 172. The lock arm 170 is bent slightly away from the side wall 64 and extends forwardly and outwardly from the side wall 64 from the first end 172. A second end 174 of the lock arm 170 is bent inwardly towards the side wall 64. An opening 176 is provided in the lock arm near the second end 174.

[0072] The lock arm 170 desirably can be flexed inwardly towards the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16, and then resiliently returns to its original position. An opening 178 is provided in the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16 adjacent the second end 174 of the lock arm 170. When the lock arm 170 is fully flexed towards the side wall 64, the second end 174 of the lock arm 170 extends into the opening 178.

[0073] Referring still to FIG. 10, the intermediate slide segment 18 includes an engagement surface 188. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement surface 188 comprises a bridge-like structure located immediately forward of the end portion 132 of the actuator 124. The engagement surface 188 desirably is slightly raised relative to the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18.

[0074] With reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the shape of the opening 176 in the lock arm 170 generally corresponds to the shape of the engagement surface 188. The lock arm 170 is biased towards the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18 so that, when the inner slide segment 16 is fully extended with respect to the intermediate slide segment 18, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the engagement surface 188 is caught in the opening 176 of the lock arm 170. As a result, further movement of the inner slide segment 16 with respect to the intermediate slide segment 18 is prevented.

[0075] To remove the inner slide segment 16 from the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18, the second end 174 of the lock arm 170 must be moved towards the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16, preferably by manually pressing the actuator 124 towards the lock arm 170. This prevents the inner slide segment 16, and the attached computer server, from unintentionally being detached from the rest of the slide assembly 12 and possibly causing damage to the server. By moving the second end 174 of the lock arm 170 towards the side wall 64, the lock arm 170 is released from the engagement surface 188, and the inner slide segment 16 can then be removed from the channel 56.

[0076] The actuator 124 serves to automatically release the lock arm 170 from the engagement surface 188 when the slide assembly 12 is retracted. As illustrated in FIG. 11, when the intermediate slide segment 18 is extended slightly with respect to the outer slide segment 20, the lock arm 170 is allowed to engage the engagement surface 188. However, when the intermediate slide segment 18 is retracted into the channel 36 of the outer slide segment 20, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the side wall 28 of the outer slide segment 20 contacts the end portion 132 of the actuator 124. The end portion 132 of the actuator 124, in turn, extends through the opening 156 in the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18 to press the lock arm 170 towards the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16. This releases the lock arm 170 from the engagement surface 188 and allows the inner slide segment 16 to be retracted into the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18.

[0077] Because the end portion 132 of the actuator 124 is wider than the opening 176 in the lock arm 170, the end portion 132 is not caught in the opening 176 as the inner slide segment 16 is retracted. The groove 136 formed in the center of the end portion 132 allows for the passage of any fasteners 206 (see FIG. 10) that may extend through the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment to attach to the computer server to the inner slide segment 16. This prevents the fasteners 196 from interfering with the end portion 132 of the actuator as the inner slide segment 16 is moved relative in and out of the channel 56.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 13, the slide assembly 12 desirably also includes a lock 189 for locking the intermediate slide segment 18 in an extended position with respect to the outer slide segment 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock 189 comprises a pivot arm 190 that is pivotally attached by a rivet 191 or other suitable means to the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18. The pivot arm 190 comprises a generally planar main portion 192 and a pair of fingers 193 that extend towards the side wall 28 of the outer slide segment 20 through an opening 194 provided in the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18.

[0079] With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a stop member 195 desirably protrudes from the side wall 28 of the outer slide segment 20 towards the intermediate slide segment 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop member 195 is generally arrow-shaped, having a tip 196, a pair of diverging sides 197, and a pair of stop surfaces 198 that extend generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the slide assembly 12.

[0080] When the intermediate slide segment 18 is retracted with respect to the outer slide segment 20, and the inner slide segment 16 is extended or removed from the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18, the pivot arm 190 is caused by gravity to reside near a bottom surface of the side wall 44. As the intermediate slide segment 18 is extended with respect to the outer slide segment 20, the pivot arm 190 meets the stop member 195 protruding from the side wall 28 of the outer slide segment 20. The upper finger 193 of the pivot arm 190 rides over the upwardly sloping side 197 of the stop member 195, then drops into abutting engagement with the upper stop surface 198. This prevents retraction of the intermediate slide segment 18 with respect to the outer slide segment 20.

[0081] To release the pivot arm 190, the inner slide segment 16 is retracted with respect to the intermediate slide segment 18, as illustrated in FIG. 15. As the inner slide segment 16 is retracted, the rear end of the inner slide segment 16 slides over the pivot arm 190 and lifts the pivot arm 190 so that the upper finger 193 is raised above the upper stop surface 198. This releases the pivot arm 190 and allows the intermediate slide segment 18 to be retracted with respect to the outer slide segment 20.

[0082] As discussed above, in quick disconnect slide assemblies, the inner slide segment is removable from the rest of the slide assembly to allow the attached computer server to be repaired or replaced. When the inner slide segment is first installed or reinstalled in the server rack, it is inconvenient to have to actuate a lock in order to retract the inner slide segment. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, to install the computer server in the server rack, the intermediate slide segment 18 is first fully retracted into the outer slide segment 20. The inner slide segment 16 is then inserted into the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18 and retracted. Because the intermediate slide segment 18 is retracted with respect to the outer slide segment 20, the side wall 28 of the outer slide segment 20 pushes the end portion 132 of the actuator 124 through the opening 156 in side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18. As the inner slide segment 16 is retracted, the end portion 132 of the actuator 124 contacts the lock arm 170 to prevent the lock arm from engaging the engagement surface 188 of the intermediate slide segment 18. Thus, the inner slide segment 16 and attached computer server can be installed and fully retracted in a single motion, without having to manually actuate the lock arm 170 of the inner slide segment 16.

[0083] Once installed, the slide assembly 12 can be extended to access the computer server. When the slide assembly 12 is filly extended, the inner slide segment 16 is locked with respect to the intermediate slide segment 18, and the intermediate slide segment 18 is locked with respect to the outer slide segment 20. To retract the slide assembly 12 again, the end portion 132 of the actuator 124 is manually pressed, as illustrated in FIG. 16, to release the lock arm 170 from the engagement surface 188 and thereby allow the inner slide segment 16 to be retracted into the intermediate slide segment 18. Because the lock arm 170 can be released by pressing the actuator 124 instead of the lock arm 170 itself, there is little risk that the fingers of the operator will get pinched between the lock arm 170 and the intermediate slide segment 18 as the lock arm 170 is disengaged and the inner slide segment 16 is retracted. When the inner slide segment 16 is retracted, the forward end of the inner slide segment 16 actuates the lock 189 of the intermediate slide segment 18 to allow the intermediate slide segment 18 to be retracted with respect to the outer slide segment 20.

[0084] With reference now to FIGS. 17-21, an alternative embodiment of the slide assembly is illustrated. The controller 120 a of the alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. As can be seen from FIGS. 18 and 19, the controller 120 a is similar to the controller 120 of the previous embodiment, but includes a pair of catches 220 a that extend from the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a. Each of the catches 220 a preferably has a generally planar sloping front surface 226 a and a generally planar catch surface 228 a. Like the controller 120 of the previous embodiment, the controller 120 a is attached to the side wall 44 a of the intermediate slide segment 18 a so that the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a and the locking portion 140 a of the latch 126 a extend through the openings 156 a in the side wall 44 a, as illustrated in FIG. 20.

[0085] With reference now to FIG. 21, the inner slide segment 16 a of the slide assembly 12 a is shown. As in the previous embodiment, the inner slide segment 16 a includes a lock arm 170 a. The lock arm 170 a is attached at a first end 172 a to the inner surface of the side wall 64 a of the inner slide segment 16 a. An opening 176 a is provided in the lock arm 170 a near the second end 174 a thereof. A pair of notches 234 a desirably are provided in the upper and lower sides of the lock arm 170 a just rearwardly of the opening 176 a.

[0086] The latch 126 a of the controller 120 a operates in the same manner as in the previous embodiment to retain the bearing assembly 80 a near the forward end of the channel 56 a. The actuator 124 a of the controller 120 a likewise operates in a manner similar to that of the previous embodiment. Thus, in the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 17-21, to install the computer server in the server rack, the intermediate slide segment 18 a is first fully retracted into the outer slide segment 20 a. The side wall 28 a of the outer slide segment 20 a pushes the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a through the opening 156 a in side wall 44 a of the intermediate slide segment 18 a. The inner slide segment 16 a is then inserted into the channel 56 a of the intermediate slide segment 18 a and retracted. As the inner slide segment 16 a is retracted, the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a contacts the lock arm 170 a to prevent the lock arm 170 a from engaging the engagement surface 188 a of the intermediate slide segment 18 a.

[0087] In the slide assembly 12 of the previous embodiment, the lock arm 170 does not engage the engagement surface 188 when the intermediate slide segment 18 is retracted in the outer slide segment 20 because the side wall 28 of the outer slide segment 20 pushes the end portion 132 of the actuator 124 through the opening 156 in the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18. As a result, there is a possibility that, when the slide assembly 12 is extended, the inner slide segment 16 can be entirely removed from the intermediate slide segment 18 before the intermediate slide segment 18 is extended with respect to the outer slide segment 20. If the inner slide segment 16 is extended before the intermediate slide segment 18, the lock arm 170 will not engage the engagement surface 188. The inner slide segment 16 and attached computer server may, therefore, be unintentionally detached from the rest of the slide assembly 12. If the person operating the slide assembly 12 is unprepared for this, the server might be dropped or otherwise damaged.

[0088] In the slide assembly 12 a of FIGS. 17-21, when the intermediate slide segment 18 a is retracted with respect to the outer slide segment 20 a, the side wall 28 a of the outer slide segment 20 a contacts the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a. As in the previous embodiment, the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a extends through the opening 156 a in the intermediate slide segment 18 a and contacts the lock arm 170 a so that the lock arm is unable to engage the engagement surface 188 a of the intermediate slide segment 18 a. In the slide assembly 12 a of FIGS. 17-21, however, as the inner slide segment 16 a is extended, the catch surfaces 228 a of the catches 220 a at the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a engage the notches 234 a at the sides of the lock arm 170 a to draw the intermediate slide segment 18 a out of the outer slide segment 20 a as the inner slide segment 16 a is extended. When the intermediate slide segment 18 a is extended from the outer slide segment 20 a sufficiently that the side wall 28 a of the outer slide segment 20 a no longer contacts the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a, the actuator 124 a resiliently returns to position and the catches 220 a are disengaged from the notches 234 a of the lock arm 170 a. The inner slide segment 16 a can then be extended further with respect to the intermediate slide segment 18 a until the opening 176 a in the lock arm 170 a engages the engagement surface 188 a of the intermediate slide segment 18 a to lock the inner slide segment 16 a with respect to the intermediate slide segment 18 a.

[0089] Since the catches 220 a at the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a cooperate with the notches 234 a in the lock arm 170 a to draw the intermediate slide segment 18 a out of the outer slide segment 20 a, there is no danger that the inner slide segment 16 a will be entirely removed from the intermediate slide segment 18 a before the intermediate slide segment 18 a is extended with respect to the outer slide segment 20 a. The catches 220 a at the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a cooperate with the notches 234 a in the lock arm 170 a to prevent the unintentional detachment of the inner slide segment 16 a and attached computer server from the rest of the slide assembly 12 a.

[0090] To retract the slide assembly 12 a again, the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a is manually pressed to release the lock arm 170 a from the engagement surface 188 a and thereby allow the inner slide segment 16 a to be retracted into the intermediate slide segment 18 a. As in the previous embodiment, because the lock arm 170 a of the inner slide segment 16 a can be released by pressing the actuator 124 a instead of the lock arm 170 a itself, there is no risk that the fingers of the operator will get pinched between the lock arm 170 a and the intermediate slide segment 18 a as the lock arm 170 a is disengaged and the inner slide segment 16 a is retracted. When the inner slide segment 16 a is retracted, the forward end of the inner slide segment 16 a actuates the lock (not shown) of the intermediate slide segment 18 a to allow the intermediate slide segment 18 a to be retracted with respect to the outer slide segment 20 a.

[0091] Although the controllers 120, 120 a of the illustrated embodiments advantageously combine the functions of both the actuator and the latch, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the actuator and the latch can each be used be used separately in a slide assembly. In addition, although each of the illustrated slide assembly embodiments includes an inner slide segment 16, 16 a, an intermediate slide segment 18, 18 a, and an outer slide segment 20,20 a, those skilled in the art will recognize that the latch function can be incorporated in slide assemblies having two or more slide segments. Thus, the latch function can be incorporated in slide assemblies having more than one intermediate slide segment, or no intermediate slide segment.

[0092] Accordingly, although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A slide assembly, comprising: a first slide segment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between said upper and lower walls, said side wall and said upper and lower walls defining a channel; a second slide segment movable in said channel to extend or retract said slide assembly; a bearing assembly facilitating sliding movement of said second slide segment with respect to said first slide segment, said bearing assembly comprising a number of ball bearings and a bearing retainer, said bearing retainer having an upper retainer portion located adjacent said upper wall, a lower retainer portion located adjacent said lower wall, and a side portion located adjacent said side wall and extending between said upper and lower retainer portions, said side portion having an opening provided therein; and a latch comprising a locking portion, said latch movable between a first position wherein said locking portion extends into said opening to limit movement of said bearing assembly in said channel, and a second position wherein said locking portion does not extend into said opening and said bearing assembly is allowed a greater freedom of movement in said channel.
 2. The slide assembly of claim 1, wherein said locking portion extends into said channel through an opening formed in said side wall of said first slide segment when said latch is in said first position.
 3. The slide assembly of claim 1, wherein said second slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall, said side wall having a tab extending therefrom, said tab contacting said locking portion as said slide assembly is retracted, thereby causing said latch to move from said first position to said second position.
 4. The slide assembly of claim 1, further comprising a third slide segment, said third slide segment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between said upper and lower walls, said side wall and said upper and lower walls defining a second channel, said first slide segment movable in said second channel to extend or retract said slide assembly.
 5. The slide assembly of claim 1, wherein a forward end, of said bearing assembly is positioned proximate a forward end of said first slide segment when said latch is in said first position.
 6. The slide assembly of claim 5, wherein said forward end of said bearing assembly is within said channel of said first slide segment when said latch is in said first position.
 7. A slide assembly, comprising: a first slide segment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between said upper and lower walls, said side wall and said upper and lower walls defining a channel; a second slide segment movable in said channel to extend or retract said slide assembly; a bearing assembly located in said channel and facilitating sliding movement of said second slide segment with respect to said first slide segment; and a latch comprising a locking portion, said latch movable between a first position wherein said locking portion extends into said channel to limit movement of said bearing assembly, and a second position wherein said bearing assembly is allowed a greater freedom of movement in said channel.
 8. The slide assembly of claim 7, wherein said locking portion comprises a generally planar sloping front face, a generally planar sloping rear face, and a recess formed between said front face and said rear face.
 9. The slide assembly of claim 8, wherein, in said first position of said latch, said front face extends a greater distance into said channel than does said rear face.
 10. The slide assembly of claim 9, further comprising a tab extending into said channel from said second slide segment, said tab contacting said front face as said slide assembly is retracted, causing said latch to move from said first position to said second position.
 11. The slide assembly of claim 10, wherein said front face forms an angle α with said side wall of between 10 and 80 degrees when said latch is in said first position.
 12. The slide assembly of claim 10, wherein said front face forms an angle α with said side wall of between 30 and 45 degrees.
 13. The slide assembly of claim 8, wherein said latch pivots about an axis and wherein both of said front face and said rear face are positioned on a forward side of said axis.
 14. The slide assembly of claim 8, wherein said bearing assembly comprises an upper retainer portion located adjacent said upper wall, a lower retainer portion located adjacent said lower wall, and a cross-member extending between said upper and lower retainer portions, said cross-member engageable in said recess when said latch is in said first position to lock said bearing assembly near a front end of said first slide segment.
 15. The slide assembly of claim 14, wherein said bearing assembly is drawn forwardly in said channel as said second slide assembly is extended, causing said cross-member to ride over the rear face and into said recess.
 16. The slide assembly of claim 15, wherein said rear face forms an angle γ with said side wall of between 10 and 80 degrees when said latch is in said first position.
 17. The slide assembly of claim 15, wherein said angle γ is between 15 and 30 degrees.
 18. A slide assembly, comprising: an outer slide segment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between said upper and lower walls, said side wall and said upper and lower walls defining a first channel; an intermediate slide segment movable in said first channel to extend or retract said slide assembly, said intermediate slide segment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between said upper and lower walls, said side wall having an opening formed therein and including an engagement surface, said side wall and said upper and lower walls defining a second channel; an inner slide segment movable in said second channel to extend or retract said slide assembly, said inner slide segment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between said upper and lower walls; a lock arm extending from said side wall of said inner slide segment towards said side wall of said intermediate slide segment, said lock arm engageable with said engagement surface to limit movement of said inner slide segment with respect to said intermediate slide segment; an actuator extending through said opening in said side wall of said intermediate slide segment towards said lock arm, wherein said side wall of said outer slide segment contacts said actuator as said slide assembly is retracted, causing said actuator to actuate said lock arm and thereby disengage said engagement surface from said lock arm.
 19. The slide assembly of claim 18, wherein said actuator comprises one or more raised catches, said catches extending into said second channel when said intermediate slide segment is retracted with respect to said outer slide segment to engage a surface of said lock arm as said inner slide segment is extended and thereby draw said intermediate slide segment out of said first channel.
 20. The slide assembly of claim 19, wherein said actuator is moved away from said lock arm to disengage said catches as said intermediate slide segment is extended with respect to said outer slide segment.
 21. A slide assembly, comprising: an outer slide segment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between said upper and lower walls, said side wall and said upper and lower walls defining a first channel; an intermediate slide segment movable in said first channel to extend or retract said slide assembly, said second slide segment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between said upper and lower walls, said side wall including an engagement surface and having one or more openings formed therein, said side wall and said upper and lower walls defining a second channel; an inner slide segment movable in said second channel to extend or retract said slide assembly, said inner slide segment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between said upper and lower walls; a bearing assembly located in said second channel and facilitating sliding movement of said inner slide segment with respect to said intermediate slide segment, said bearing assembly comprising a bearing retainer and a number of ball bearings; a lock arm extending from said side wall of said inner slide segment towards said side wall of said intermediate slide segment, said lock arm engageable with said engagement surface to limit movement of said inner slide segment with respect to said intermediate slide segment; a controller associated with said intermediate slide segment, said controller comprising a locking portion extending through one of said openings in said side wall of said intermediate slide segment towards said bearing retainer, said locking portion selectively engageable with said bearing retainer to limit movement of said bearing assembly in said second channel, and an actuator extending through one of said openings in said side wall of said intermediate slide segment between said outer slide segment and said lock arm, said actuator actuating said lock arm to disengage said engagement surface from said lock arm when said slide assembly is retracted.
 22. The slide assembly of claim 21, wherein said actuator contacts said lock arm when said actuator is manually pressed towards said lock arm to disengage said engagement surface from said lock arm and allow said inner slide segment to be retracted with respect to said intermediate slide segment.
 23. The slide assembly of claim 21, further comprising a pivot arm pivotally connected to said side wall of said intermediate slide segment, said pivot arm abutting a surface of said outer slide segment when said intermediate slide segment is extended with respect to said outer slide segment to prevent retraction of said intermediate slide segment.
 24. The slide assembly of claim 23, wherein said inner slide segment contacts said pivot arm as said inner slide segment is retracted with respect to said intermediate slide segment to disengage said pivot arm from said outer slide segment and allow said intermediate slide segment to be retracted with respect to said outer slide segment.
 25. A method of controlling components of a slide assembly, comprising: providing a slide assembly including a first slide segment defining a channel and a second slide segment movable within said channel to extend or retract said slide assembly, said second slide segment being removable from said first slide segment; providing a bearing assembly to facilitate sliding movement between the first slide segment and the second slide segment; moving said second slide segment in a first direction to extend said slide assembly, wherein said bearing assembly moves in said first direction with said movement of said second slide segment; removing said second slide segment from said first slide segment; securing said bearing assembly in a first position, wherein a forward end of said bearing assembly is positioned proximate a forward end of said first slide segment, when said second slide segment is disconnected from said first slide segment.
 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising releasing said bearing assembly from said first position when said second slide segment is reinserted into said first slide segment. 